Alfreton Town sign former Matlock Town defender Joe Leesley as Nicky Law plots Great Escape

Sports Reporter

Alfreton Town manager Nicky Law has strengthened his squad with two more signings as he plots a Great Escape from Conference relegation.

Law has signed central defender Niall Heaton and Joe Leesley after he was released by Matlock Town.

Eighteen-year-old Heaton has transferred to the Reds from Bradford City and has penned an eighteen-month contract with Alfreton.

Leeds-born Heaton began his career with City’s Academy/Centre of Excellence before moving to Liverpool where he impressed in their under-18s side and gained England Schoolboy honours

He rejoined Bradford City two years later in May 2013 and signed a one-year professional contract with City in May 2014 and has had recent loan spells with both Ossett Town and Bradford Park Avenue.

Commenting on the latest signing, Legend Football Partners’ Michael Hitchcock said: “We are excited to make another important signing for the club. Niall Heaton will add depth to the spine of the team.

“Our collective goal in this transfer window was to add key players who would not only assist Alfreton Town in our battle to stay in the Vanarama Conference, but also to establish a foundation for the future of the club.”

Niall will wear squad number 26 and he becomes the fifth player to join the Reds in the January transfer window following on from goalkeeper Jason Mooney, on loan from York City; striker Joe Ironside who has transferred from Sheffield United and signed an 18-month contract; former Crewe Alexandra winger John Johnston who has also signed an 18-month contract and central defender Callum Howe, on loan from Scunthorpe United.

Joe Leesley (20) joins on contract to the end of the 2014/15 season after the player became available earlier in the week when he was released by Matlock Town.

He is described as a tall, bustling left-back who has had trials with Bradford City and played for Winterton Rangers before joining the Gladiators where he was named young player of the season during the 2012/13 campaign.

“We have been trailing him for a while and are pleased he has joined us. He is certainly one for the future” said chairman Wayne Bradley.